A LICENCING official and driving school instructor have been sentenced by the Regional Court in the Free State for corruption.
The two were arrested on 4 July 2023 following information received from a whistleblower regarding a corrupt relationship between the examiner and a driving school instructor of JVD Driving School in Vrede.
Sipho Malinga (46), an examiner of driving licences, and Doctor Moloi (31), a driving school instructor, were sentenced by the local regional court on Thursday, 11 April, after pleading guilty to corruption charges.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesman Simon Zwane said Malinga was sentenced to six years imprisonment or a fine of R11 600.
"Half of the sentence was suspended for a period of five years on condition that he's not found guilty of the same or similar offence committed during the period of suspension.
"Malinga was further ordered to pay R2 000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account and declared unfit to possess a firearm," he said.
Zwane said Moloi was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment or a fine of R12 000.
"Half of the sentence is suspended for a period of three years on condition that the accused is not found guilty of the same or similar offence committed during the period of suspension.
"Moloi was further ordered to pay an additional amount of R2 000 to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account and declared unfit to possess a firearm."
ALSO READ: Shock as gogos raped and one killed!
He said an undercover operation uncovered the extent of corruption, with evidence showing that the driving school instructor solicited bribes.
"Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern where the driving school instructor would identify individuals seeking learner licences and provide their details to the examiner, ensuring their success in the learner licence tests in exchange for bribes," he said.
Zwane said RTMC is not entirely satisfied with the sentence meted out.
"The sentence does not reflect the serious impact that fraud and corruption have on road safety in the country.
"The RTMC commends all officers involved in the thorough investigation that led to these convictions. Such diligent efforts underscore our commitment to upholding integrity within the licensing system," he said.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud, corruption, or malfeasance at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at 083 293 7989.
